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About Al |
About Al Sheppard |
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I was raised on the west side of
Manhattan, NYC. A place called "Hell's Kitchen". There are
several stories how it received it's name. The most popular one
is that during the Civil War New York City was the scene of
largest
 civil disturbance in America history. It was the week of
July 4, 1863. The Irish had taken over most of NYC. This was
known as "The Draft Riots". They were actually firing artillery
in the streets. The police were calling for reinforcements to
area. The telegraph to the Police Headquarters on Mulberry
Street was "Send help, "It's hotter then Hells Kitchen up here".
This was a neighborhood in the 1950's that little to offer it's
youth. Either you became a cop, fireman, or a priest. The other
choice was to become a hoodlum or gangster. I took the first of
the pick. I have never regretted it.I joined the NYPD in 1969 after serving two years in the US Army during the Viet-Nam War. I was assigned to the NYPD Emergency Service Unit in 1974 through 1984. Our mission was Heavy Rescue and Special Weapons and Tactics. As a member of the original Anti-Terrorist Team formed by the NYPD (A-Team). I was the first NYPD Officer to repel out of a helicopter. In addition ESU performed Hostage Recovery, Explosive Identification, and Removal. In 1984 I was assigned to the NYPD Intelligence Division. Our duties were to protect foreign and domestic officials. Some of my assignments were protection of Fidel Castro and the Shah of Iran. This also included providing security for the President of The United States while working with the U.S. Secret Service. I was also responsible for conducting investigations into international criminal and terrorist organizations. In 1985 I was assigned to the Drug Enforcement Administration, and designated a U.S. Marshal in addition to my NYPD rank of Detective. The case I was assigned to was an international investigation. When the case was over, all members were "Sworn to a Non-disclosure" Never to speak about the assignment. In 1988 I was reassigned to the Major Case Squad of the Special Investigations Division. My assignments included Bank Robbery, Kidnappings, and confidential assignments from the Chief of Detectives Office. My last case was my most challenging the serial murderer "Zodiac" in 1991. My Awards: 3 Exceptional Merit Medals 9 Commendation Medals 10 Meritorious Medals 29 Excellent Police Duty Medals 2 Citations for Bravery from the National Police Officers Assoc. of America 2 Medals from the Seamen's Institute for saving drowning persons Letter of Commendation from Vice-President George Bush in 1989 Military Order of the Purple Heart 1974 Inducted into the NYPD Honor Legion |
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